The
inaugural Widening Participation Outreach awards have recognised students and
staff across the University who have delivered activities to promote a fairer
society. City’s Widening Participation Outreach team, along with a force of 180
Student Ambassadors, work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to
raise aspirations and help them make well-informed decisions about their
future. Their objective is to inspire young people, help them to develop the
skills they need to succeed and make them aware of the opportunities available
to them, and were recently praised by the Office of Fair Access for their widening participation and retention initiatives.

City’s Widening Participation Outreach team organise a range of events and initiatives for young people to help them make well informed decisions about their future.Through
initiatives like tutoring, mentoring and taster weeks, the team work with
around 7,000 pupils aged between 9 and 18 every year, targeting more than 200
local schools and colleges. The awards, held at City during June, rewarded the
students and staff who contribute to this area of work.

“The Widening Participation
scheme is one of the most worthwhile things I have had the pleasure to get
involved in during my time at university,” Mark said. “I think it’s great that Widening Participation is not
about marketing university as the only way forward. The focus is on providing a
useful learning experience, supporting personal development and teaching skills
for life.”

Danielle
Russo, Widening Participation Outreach Manager at City said: “I was
thrilled that so many colleagues came along to celebrate success and
achievement in Widening Participation. Our Student Ambassadors, Tutors and
members of staff across the university are instrumental to this work and our
award ceremony gave us the opportunity to recognise and thank those that have
supported us.”

This
would not be possible without the commitment of our Student Ambassadors who are
a source of information and
inspiration for the young people they meet.

The winners

Tutor of the YearNicola Augosti (LLB, Law)Nicola won the Tutor of the Year
award in recognition of her commitment and enthusiasm shown in her role as a
tutor. Nicola’s dedication has been demonstrated through her preparation for
each session, arriving early to talk through plans with the teacher.

Tutor of the Year (City of
London Academy Islington)Jance
Manivasagan (LLB, Law)Jance won this award in
recognition of her work as a tutor at the City of London Academy Islington. Her
versatile and hard-working nature have allowed her to thrive in this role and
help raise educational standards in the school.

UniMentor
of the YearNatalia Lopez (BSc, Economics)Natalia won the award for going
above and beyond expectations as a mentor on the UniMentor scheme. Natalia
showed commitment to her responsibilities, preparing in advance of each session
and providing a character reference for her mentee at the end of the scheme.

Most Improved WP Student
AmbassadorMaryam
Farooqi (LLB, Law)Maryam
became an Ambassador during her first year at University and over the last year
has shown a significant increase in her attendance at events. She has received
great feedback from the young people she has worked with, allowing them to
recognise their potential and encouraging them to look forward to university.

Student
Ambassador of the YearMark Mordak (BSc, Psychology)Mark has been recognised for
his hard work and committed attitude in his role as a Student Ambassador. His
nomination acknowledged his helpful nature and willingness to go above and
beyond what is required of him.

Outstanding
Engagement with Young PeopleRosie Wainwright (LLB,
Law)Rosie received this
award in recognition of her commitment to work as an Ambassador alongside her
studies for the last two years. Rosie has inspired many of the young people she
has worked with to study at City and has had made a positive impact on the
lives of a number of care leavers and prospective students.

Outstanding
Staff Contribution to Widening ParticipationTom Felle (Acting Director,
Interactive and Newspaper Journalism)Tom received this award for
delivering taster workshops in journalism to students visiting City.
Constructing an engaging and interactive timetable for school pupils, Tom has
received great feedback from teachers and students.

External
Service Provider of the YearSophie Freiermuth (Baguette UX
Ltd)Sophie received this award for
her work to support Widening Participation Outreach events over the last three
years. This includes a popular app game Sophie created to help students
understand the IT industry. Her nomination acknowledges her enthusiasm,
commitment and understanding of the support needed by young people so that they
can pursue their ambitions.

During the ceremony, plaques
were also presented to 25 primary and secondary schools that participate in
activities with City.

Definition

Widening participation

An effort to increase not only the numbers of young people entering higher education, particularly the proportion from under-represented groups (those from lower income families, people with disabilities and some ethnic minorities).

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